[link: 1 Hits] Hm. If I were ever allowed (I'm not), I would host my own information technology roundtable. Fame would not be a requirement, just a demonstrated engagement in new learning technologies. It would be genuinely international and it would include as many women as men. It's not hard to get such a group together, you just have to want to do it, and be blind to a certain demographic's persistent self-promotion. Oh, and I'd invite Terry Anderson, because he is certainly astute enough. Anyhow, it's nice to see the (demographically challenged) current group of "intellegensia" finally discovering 'pull'. Nice of them to join the party. [Tags: Push versus Pull] [Comment] [Edit] [Delete] [Spam]

[link: Hits] Useful guide on how to get started with Linux, and sometimes it works the way it should (your mileage may vary). I have in particular had problems with the non-standard Linux applications, like Java and Real Player, so I would be pleased to see that installation become as simple as described in this article. [Tags: ] [Comment] [Edit] [Delete] [Spam]

[link: 7 Hits] I'm just doing some odds and ends, and I'm referring to this post just to get some work done. ;) Seriously, I have thought a lot about what sort of length works for these posts, which is why I settled at about eight lines. I find it significant that most readers are content with my summary (or totally unrelated expression of opinion), though I would always provide a link to the longer work. [Tags: ] [Comment] [Edit] [Delete] [Spam]

[link: Hits] I agree with this: "In an educational mindset, we might think the learning itself is the important thing, but really we're talking about doing, with learning as something that happens in the process of pursuing meaningful goals." Which is why it is unfortunate, as the author points out, that the tools that enable doing are blocked. "You've got a motivated, innovative teacher who wants to let kids focus on the stuff that matters to them... but is finding it at odds with the goals of the system." [Tags: Online Learning, Children and Child Learning] [Comment] [Edit] [Delete] [Spam]

I want and visualize and aspire toward a system of society and learning where each person is able to rise to his or her fullest potential without social or financial encumberance, where they may express themselves fully and without reservation through art, writing, athletics, invention, or even through their avocations or lifestyle.

Where they are able to form networks of meaningful and rewarding relationships with their peers,
with people who share the same interests or hobbies, the same political or religious affiliations - or different
interests or affiliations, as the case may be.

This to me is a society where knowledge and learning are public goods, freely created and shared,
not hoarded or withheld in order to extract wealth or influence.

This is what I aspire toward, this is what I work toward. - Stephen Downes